Car accident victims can sustain minor to severe injuries that affect various parts of their bodies. In some cases, injuries can also be fatal.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accident injuries and fatalities cost over $75 billion in 2017. Since car accident injuries are expensive, victims can claim damages from the at-fault party. Awards may cover medical bills and other injury-related losses.
Injuries Can Range from Minor to Severe
Several types of injuries can occur after an accident. Depending on the severity of the crash and its impact, the injuries can be relatively minor or extreme. Whether you sustain a scrape, bruising, broken bones, or damages to organs, you have a right to claim damages from the at-fault party to help deal with the hospital bills.
While some accident injuries heal quickly, others require extensive medical intervention, including surgery and physical therapy. Other injuries can lead to permanent disability or fatality.
Injury severity also depends on the presence and functionality of airbags, the drivers’ speed, whether the occupants were wearing a seatbelt, the type of accident or direction of impact, and more.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These injuries occur in the body’s connective tissue. This includes the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. A soft tissue injury in a car accident can take various forms. These injuries cause loss of function, bruising, swelling, and pain. They can limit your everyday activities and range of motion.
Some types of soft tissue injuries in car crashes include:
- Whiplash
- Sprains
- Contusions
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear (Knee)
- Rotator Cuff Tear (Shoulder)
While some of these injuries only require pain management and physical therapy, others may need surgery. Additionally, since most of these injuries do not manifest immediately after the accident, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately. Going to the hospital will help protect your claim and help identify hidden injuries.
Head Injuries
Head injuries in car accidents can take a variety of forms. Depending on the impact on the head or the type of object that hits the head, a victim can suffer minor or severe injuries. This injury can tear or bruise the brain blood vessels and tissue, intracranial hematoma (ICH), and skull fracture.
Other head injuries include concussions, and in extreme cases, a victim can suffer a traumatic brain injury. This injury can cause several complications in a victim’s life. If not treated well, traumatic brain injuries cause sleep difficulties, recurrent headaches, and long-term problems with brain functions.
Broken Bones
Broken shoulders, hips, legs, and arms are prevalent injuries in a car accident. Additionally, victims also sustain broken ribs, which can be very painful. Depending on the type of fracture or impact of the crash, broken bones can take several months to heal.
For example, if you sustain a compound fracture, you can also suffer from infections that require proper medical attention. Some complications from fractures include:
- Chest injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Knee trauma
- Spinal injuries
- Burns
- Herniated disc
- Scrapes and cuts
Regardless of the type of injury, it is essential to seek medical attention and keep a proper record of your injuries.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Though several car accident injuries are physical, victims can also suffer from emotional and mental injuries. In addition to PTSD, you can also suffer other psychological injuries that require therapy. Note that mental and emotional are real injuries that victims can also claim.
Only a Doctor Can Properly Diagnose Your Car Accident Injuries
If you were in a car crash, you need to seek medical attention immediately. You can never be sure how severe your injuries are or the type of injuries you have. A doctor will ensure that you get the proper treatment for your injuries, which can help avoid complications.
Medical documentation can also prove invaluable for your case. If you are filing an insurance claim or Fort Myers personal injury lawsuit, your doctor can help link your injuries to another party’s negligence. Following through with your treatment plan can also prevent an insurer from arguing you contributed to your losses.
Contact The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a Free Consultation
You deserve to rest and heal after a car accident. Our personal injury lawyers can handle the legal work for you. We can investigate your case, gather evidence of negligence, and fight for fair compensation.
To learn more about car accident injuries and pursuing compensation, contact The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. Call 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation.
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